01/03/2005

Clarke threatens to 'name and shame' ASBO offenders

Home Secretary Charles Clarke has warned that people served anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) will face having their personal details made public knowledge, under new Home Office guidance to "name and shame" offenders.

Mr Clarke said: "Publicity is part of proper enforcement" and added that publicising offenders' personal information was "essential" in order to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The Home Secretary said: "We know that too many communities are still blighted by the mindless behaviour of a few yobs, who can ruin the quality of life for everyone. Many offenders think that they are untouchable and above the law. If they thought that there would be a news blackout on their actions they must now think again. We are making the position crystal clear - your photo could be all over the local media, your local community will know who you are, and breaching an ASBO could land you in prison."

According to new ASBO figures, nearly 4000 have been issued since they were first introduced in 1999, half of them to adults and 45% to juveniles (in 5% of cases, the age was unknown).

The Home Office figures showed that 42% of ASBOs were breached up to December 2003, compared to 36% in the period up to December 2002. The government is now emphasising the message that those breaching an ASBO could face a prison sentence.

Civil rights campaigners Liberty have warned that the naming of ASBO offenders could spark 'vigilante' attacks.

(KMcA/SP)


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